Print

Cheeseburger Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

This comforting Cheeseburger Casserole combines the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a creamy, cheesy one-pan meal. Ground beef is cooked with aromatic onions, garlic, and seasonings, then simmered with elbow macaroni in savory beef broth. The dish is creamy and cheesy, finished with melted cheddar on top and garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, making it an easy, hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Seasonings

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dry parsley
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Ground pepper to taste

Flavor Enhancers

  • 2 ½ tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Main Ingredients

  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni

Dairy

  • ¾ cup milk (at room temperature)
  • ½ cup sour cream (at room temperature)
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (divided: 1 cup stirred in, 1 cup for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef and Aromatics: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef, chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, dry parsley, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and ground pepper. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess grease before moving on to the next step.
  2. Add Tomato Paste and Worcestershire Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce until everything is well combined and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Simmer Macaroni in Beef Broth: Pour in the low-sodium beef broth and add the elbow macaroni. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking or clumping together.
  4. Mix in Dairy Ingredients and Cheese: Uncover the skillet and stir in the room-temperature milk, sour cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until the casserole reaches a thick and creamy consistency. If it appears too watery, simmer uncovered for an additional 1-2 minutes while stirring occasionally.
  5. Top with Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and heat for 2-3 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions to add color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting dish.

Notes

  • Using room-temperature milk, sour cream, and cheese helps create a smoother, creamier casserole.
  • Stirring the pasta frequently while simmering prevents it from sticking or clumping together.
  • Feel free to add extra veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms during the initial beef cooking step for added nutrition.
  • For a spicier variation, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 tsp or add a dash of hot sauce.
  • This recipe can be adapted with gluten-free pasta for gluten-sensitive diets.

Keywords: cheeseburger casserole, ground beef casserole, cheesy casserole, easy weeknight dinner, one pan meal

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/cheeseburger-casserole-recipe/